India: Hindu Nationalists Attack Church, Two Christians Critically Injured, Others Wounded in Chhattisgarh State

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Two Christians were critically injured, and several others wounded, when Hindu nationalists raided a church service in India’s Chhattisgarh state earlier this month, International Christian Concern reports.

On Dec. 3, a group of radical Hindu nationalists invaded an ongoing Sunday service at a church in Chhattisgarh led by Pastor Rajendra, ICC reports. Hindu nationalists have agitated for the closure of the church for many years, arguing that Pastor Rajendra has engaged in “conversion activities” aimed at causing locals to leave Hinduism for Christianity.

A church leader who asked not to be named for security reasons told ICC: “It is going to be all the more difficult for Christians to live safely in the state. As the pro-Hindu political party returns to the government in the state in the recent elections, Christians are worried.”

No action was taken against the Dec. 3 attackers, and police even refused to register a complaint made by the congregation, ICC reports.

According to ICC, this month’s attack was one of 100 violent incidents against Christians in Chhattisgarh this year. “In 2023, there have been more than 143 incidents of violence against Christians in Chhattisgarh, with more than 35 incidents of social boycotting and 20 incidents of not allowing Christians to bury the dead bodies of their family members,” ICC said in its report. “Chhattisgarh ranked second in the most persecuted states in India after Uttar Pradesh,” ICC noted.

Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

 

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